Vice President of Communications

This is a founding role at a soon-to-be-launched 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the United States from biological threats. As the organization's first communications hire, the VP of Communications will build the organization's public presence and narrative from the ground up. The VP will lead the organization’s brand, media, and public affairs strategy, ensuring that its mission resonates with policymakers, key stakeholders, and the public. They will help shape the national narrative around biodefense. As a senior member of the leadership team, the VP will play a key role in shaping the organization's strategy and growth. The position reports directly to the Executive Director. About the Organization We are building a national policy advocacy organization dedicated to defending the United States against biological threats. As advances in biotechnology and artificial intelligence accelerate both opportunities and risks, the nation’s defenses remain fragmented and unprepared for emerging threats. We will advance a comprehensive policy agenda spanning prevention, detection, preparedness, and response to keep the U.S. safe from naturally emerging, accidental, and deliberate biothreats. We will work directly with Congress and the executive branch to turn those priorities into enacted law and policy. We will also advocate for a strong biotechnology and scientific enterprise that sustains public trust and supports U.S. competitiveness and national security. We are a bipartisan team of former senior government officials, drawing on an advisory network of senior congressional and executive branch officials, industry leaders, public health professionals, scientists, and national security experts from across the political spectrum. By partnering with the existing biodefense community and building the political momentum and rapid‑response capacity the moment demands, we intend to close critical gaps before the next crisis. Responsibilities Oversee and implement a public launch strategy Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and policy objectives Establish and advance the organization’s brand, positioning, core messages, and overarching narrative Oversee all media relations, serving as the primary point of contact for press inquiries and proactive media outreach Develop and execute a rapid response strategy, identifying openings in the news cycle and moving quickly to advance the organization's narrative Plan and execute end-to-end earned media campaigns, from strategy through placement and follow-through Create high-impact content, including press releases, op-eds, talking points, social media content, and organizational reports Develop executive communications and prepare senior leaders for interviews, public appearances, testimony, speeches, and other external engagements Advise the Executive Director and leadership team on reputation management and crisis communications Build and maintain relationships with journalists, commentators, key influencers, thought leaders, and partner organizations Oversee the organization's digital presence, including the website, email communications, and social media channels Collaborate closely with policy, government affairs, and external-engagement colleagues to support legislative and advocacy priorities Establish systems for measuring communications reach and impact and use those findings to refine strategy. Hire and manage communications staff, consultants, external agencies, and other contractors as the organization grows Qualifications Substantial senior-level experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, political communications, or a related field, preferably in a mission-driven, policy-oriented, or technical environment Significant experience in political communications, including senior campaign communications, congressional communications, executive branch communications, or equivalent, is strongly preferred Experience leading crisis communications Demonstrated ability to build and execute campaigns end to end, with specific examples of earned media placements, rapid response wins, or narrative-shaping moments Proven track record of securing coverage in top-tier media outlets and managing complex or sensitive reputational issues Exceptional ability to distill complex scientific, technical, or policy information into clear and compelling communications for general and policymaker audiences Experience managing staff, external agencies, contractors, and communications budgets Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, build-from-scratch environment with limited existing infrastructure Sound political judgment and the ability to communicate credibly across partisan and ideological lines Deep interest in biosecurity, health, technology, or national security policy (prior experience on these topics preferred but not required) Compensation Compensation for this role is expected to range from $175,000-$260,000, depending on experience and qualifications. The organization will also offer a competitive benefits package. #J-18808-Ljbffr Biodefense Policy Org